Convertible Force Latching System

ABSTRACT

A convertible force latching system includes two complementary connector bodies. Each connector body has a first mating face under which two series of magnets oriented alternating directions. A moving portion of the latching system allows the connector bodies and the magnets within to alter their alignment by the interaction of a user along a predetermined motion path. In a first arrangement, the series of magnets are aligned with such that the magnets of one connector body are attracted to the magnets of the other connector body. When the user actuation shifts the moving portion, the second arrangement positions the series of magnets such that they are aligned such that the magnets of one connector body are repelled to the magnets of the other connector body.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of and claims the benefit of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 16/229,121 filed Dec. 21, 2018, which claimsthe benefit of U.S. Provisional Appln. No. 62/608,958 filed Dec. 21,2017, each of which are herein incorporated by reference in theirentirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present description relates generally to electrical connectors andmore precisely to a convertible force latching system for an electricalconnector.

BACKGROUND OF RELATED ART

Various magnetic latching systems are known, often used in fields of artlike cabinetry. U.S. Pat. No. 3,790,197 describes a magnetic latch thatis used for maintaining a hinged member in a closed position. Themagnets are movable in an axial direction and require a manuallyoperable member such as a lever bar mounted on a pivot in order tochange the magnet position for repulsion force.

Other example magnetic latches include U.S. Pat. No 2,990,210 whichdescribes a magnetic latch that is used for securing a member such asswinging doors of cabinets, cupboards, closets, or other objects. U.S.Pat. No. 2,877,041 describes a magnetic latch for a refrigerator door,which is used for securing a refrigerator door to prevent air leakagefrom within the cabinet. US Patent Publication No. 2011/0193354describes a magnetic gate latch device. U.S. Pat. No. 3,984,795describes a magnetic latch construction that utilizes theelectromagnetic characteristic of magnets. U.S. Pat. No. 6,195,898describes a quick release magnetic latch. U.S. Pat. No. 5,909,100describes a charging connector for an electric vehicle.

In addition to the noted magnetic latches, various other mechanisms forlatching connectors may be utilized, especially in the field ofelectrical connectors. For instance, threaded latches, spring latches,manual latches, snap fit latches, twist and lock mechanism, and/or nolatch mechanism. Threaded latches typically add threads to the matingparts for retention, requiring tooling to mate and unmate and being timeconsuming to mate and unmate. Spring latches add locking features to theparts with spring mechanism to activate and deactivate the lock formating and unmating. The retention force oftentimes degrades over timedue to material wear out and spring degradation from mating andunmating, thereby typically shortening the cycle life. A manual latchtypically hooks onto physical stops for retention. These types oflatches are oftentimes hard to align to ensure they are in the properposition. Snap fit latching features oftentimes require tooling tounmate. Twist and lock features are typically hard to manufacture andhave a shorter cycle life due to material wear out over time from matingand unmating.

Finally, using no latch and relying upon contact retention to keep theparts mated are generally difficult to unmate as they need to overcomethe contact retention. Additionally, the contacts used have a shortercycle life due to material wear out from mating and unmating as theretention degrades over time.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an example first and second connectorbody of the latching system according to the teachings of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of another example first and secondconnector body of the latching system according to the teachings of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the mating face of the firstconnector body of the example latching system of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the mating face of the secondconnector body of the example latching system of FIG. 1A in a firstposition.

FIG. 4 shows another perspective view of the mating face of the secondconnector body of the example latching system of FIG. 1A in a secondposition.

FIG. 5A shows a first perspective views of the mating face of the secondconnector body of the example latching system of FIG. 1A exhibiting themotion guide features in a first position.

FIG. 5B shows a second perspective views of the mating face of thesecond connector body of the example latching system of FIG. 1Aexhibiting the motion guide features in a second position.

FIG. 6 shows an exploded view of the first connector body of the examplelatching system of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 7 shows an exploded view of the second connector body of theexample latching system of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view exhibiting the user manually activating theexample latching system of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view exhibiting the user utilizing a forceactuation interface mechanism.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description of example methods and apparatus is notintended to limit the scope of the description to the precise form orforms detailed herein. Instead the following description is intended tobe illustrative so that others may follow its teachings.

Some of the problems with some of the known prior art mentioned aboveinclude: connectors, particularly electrical connectors tend to have ahigh mating and unmating force. Physical latches can be hard todisengage due to the size of any kind of connector. Physical latchesalso take up a lot of space that some designs do not have. Latches canwear out and fail to hold connection and maintain necessary connectiveforce. Latches can also have an issue with ease of use for both engagingand disengaging as well as alignment to ensure the latch is in theproper position.

The example latching systems disclosed herein have nearly unlimitedcycle life with consistent retention, and are easy to mate and unmate.More specifically, the act of latching is easier with the presentlydisclosed magnet latches because the attraction of unlike magnetic poleshelp to align and pull connectors together, which makes it easy to mate.The arrangement of the magnets with alternating poles is a pattern whichallows the force to be switched between attraction and repulsion asneeded. The repulsion of like magnetic poles can then be used to pushconnectors away from each other, which makes it easier to unmate. Byputting magnets in a circular pattern, some of the examples disclosedbelow can help to reduce the overall size of latch without sacrificingthe strength of latch. Finally, there is no damage or wear to themagnets from mating and unmating, and magnets do not lose strength overtime under normal circumstances. This feature allows the examplelatching systems to have consistent retention force and a nearlyunlimited cycle life.

In the present disclosure, alternate magnetic poles are allocated in acircular pattern in the example shown in FIG. 1A and are arranged with amagnetic orientation that makes this latching system unique. Circularpattern was chosen instead of others to provide the maximum latchstrength with the most compact size, but other examples are shown anddiscussed below as may be more beneficial to a specific user's needs.The example device utilizes both the attraction and repulsioncharacteristics of magnets in one single application, and also allowsthe force to be easily switched between attraction and repulsion asneeded by simple rotation, translation, or other movement of thelatching portion of the connector.

In these examples, all magnets are fully enclosed in the latch underboth mated and unmated conditions. This provides extra protection to themagnets and makes the latch stay clean and easy to maintain, whichallows the latch to have a long life.

In addition, the latch in one example of the present latching system isexternal to the connector which is more accessible by hand for rotationto unlatch. This eliminates the need for additional mechanism connectedinternally for unlatching, which allows the latch to have a more compactsize and lower manufacturing cost due to less components involved.

Referring now to the figures, FIGS. 1A and 1B show two examples of apair of connectors which embody one example of the convertible forcelatching system according to the teachings of the present disclosure.The latching system in this example is comprised of two matchedconnector bodies, shown in FIG. 1A as first connector body 102 andsecond connector body 104. The first and second connector body 102, 104are connected at mating surfaces 106, 108 thereby coupling therespective electrical connectors 110.

The first and second connector bodies 102, 104 are adapted to be matedwith complementary shaping as such that the form of the first connectorbody 102 securely accepts the projections of the second connector body104 within a recess. The coupling of the first and second connectors102, 104 in some examples is a slight press fit such that the connectorscannot move relative to one another when connected.

Some of the first and second connector bodies 102, 104 have at least twopossible subsections: a connecting portion 112 housing the electricalcontacts 110 and latch portion 114. The latching portion 114 is usuallypositioned around the connecting portion 112. In the example shown, thesecond connecting body 104 has a moving latching portion 114. In otherexamples of the latching system 100, the latching portion may slide totranslate linearly or move by any other suitable means as one ofordinary skill in the art would comprehend. On the sides facing eachother, the first and second connector bodies 102 and 104 each havemating faces 106 and 108, respectively, positioned around electricalcontacts 110. These are a relatively flat portion on the latchingportions 114 of the connector bodies 102 and 104 near the outerperiphery of each connector body 102, 104 in the example shown in FIG.1A. The mating faces serve to bring the parts of magnetic latchingmechanism appropriately oriented and sufficiently proximate to eachother in order to function.

One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that electricalcontacts 110 in the example shown are but one of many configurationsthat can be used. Any number of electrical connections of various gaugesand arrangements thereof can be accommodated in each connector body 102,104. One of ordinary skill in the art will also appreciate that theteachings of this disclosure could equally be applied to other types ofreleasable connections like data, fluid transfer, or other suitableconnections. In some examples of the present latching system, theconnector bodies are adapted to swap the connections enabled inside,allowing different electrical connectors to be inserted for example.

Within each connector body 102, 104 as a part of the latching portion114 there are magnets positioned just under the mating faces 106, 108.In the example shown, the latching portion 114 can move relative to theconnecting portion 112. In this example, the rotation of the latchingportion 114 in this example allows the magnets on one connecting body104 to be repositioned relative to the other connecting body 102 As oneof ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that the magnets can beany type of magnet, such as permanently magnetized ferromagneticmaterials or rare earth magnets. In other examples of the presentlatching system 100, an electromagnet could be used to selectivelyengage or reverse the magnetic poles.

As shown in in FIGS. 2-3, there are two alternating series of magnets202 and 204 in different orientations. Each magnet, regardless of itsshape and attendant magnetic field, has a north and south pole. Themagnet orientation is based on how the poles are positioned within themagnet and their relative organization when the magnet is installed inthe connector body 102, 104. For the purposes of this discussion, amagnet is termed to be facing up if the north pole of that magnet isclosest to the respective mating surface 106 or 108 and a magnet istermed to be facing down if the south pole of the magnet is closest tothe mating surface 106 or 108. In the figures, the illustrated greencircle represents North Magnetic Pole and the purple circle representsSouth Magnetic Pole for visualization only. Magnets are exposed in FIGS.2 and 3 for illustrated purpose only, but are enclosed in some examplesby a cover 600 with screws 602 as shown in FIGS. 6-7. Magnets may beexposed, partially exposed, or fully enclosed and retained by any othermeans as desired.

As in the example convertible force latching system shown in thefigures, each of the series of magnets are placed in an alternatingpattern. This pattern is repeated in a similar manner on the oppositeconnector body 104 as in the connector body 102. In the example shown,the magnets are placed in a circular pattern on the connector body 102with the north poles of the first series of magnets closest to themating surface 106, facing “up”, and the south poles of the secondseries of magnets closest to the mating surface 106, facing “down”.

The arrangement enables different uses depending on the relativearrangements of the magnets on one connecting body to the otherdepending on the position of the moving latching portion 114. In a firstarrangement, illustrated in FIG. 3, the magnets in the respectivealternating series on each connector body 102, 104 with opposite polesare facing each other to assist in holding the latching system 100together. Thus, the first and second series of magnets are aligned withthe third and fourth series of magnets, respectively, in a firstposition such that the first and second series of magnets are attractedto the third and fourth series of magnets.

Contrastingly, the latching portion 114 can be moved in along apredetermined motion path to alter the alignments of the magnets. In theexample shown in FIG. 3, the latching portion can be rotated to shiftthe magnets in each series 202 and 204 from facing opposite magneticpoles to facing identical charged magnetic poles to the position shownin FIG. 4. The repulsion of the similar poles assists in decoupling thelatching system 100. Thus, the second arrangement illustrated in FIG. 4has the first and second series of magnets aligned with the fourth andthird series of magnets, respectively, in a second position such thatthe first and second series of magnets are repelled by the third andfourth series of magnets. In some examples of the present invention, alocking mechanism can be added to prevent rotation when not desired bythe user.

By allowing for both magnetic attraction and repulsion, the connectionallows for assistive coupling and decoupling. During mating, theattraction of unlike magnetic poles from both connector bodies 102, 104automatically pulls the parts together which makes them easy to mate.Even if the magnets on connector bodies 102, 104 do not line upperfectly, as the latches get close to each other, the repulsion ofmagnets pushes like magnetic poles away from each other and theattraction of magnets pulls unlike magnetic poles together. Thispush/pull effect forces Latch 2 to rotate automatically and align allmagnets in Latch 2 to Latch 1 for mating. The combination of attractionfor all magnet pairs also acts as retention to keep the parts mated.

When the magnets are aligned with opposite poles, the attraction helpscorrectly seat the connector bodies within each other. When the magnetsare aligned with the same poles, the repulsion helps push the connectorsapart. Rather than requiring the user to apply sufficient force, themagnets thereby increasing the user ability to couple these connectorsby reducing the force needed to couple the connectors.

The latch portion 114 is external to the connector body which isaccessible by hand for rotation to unlatch, for any size of a scalablelatching system 100. This eliminates the need for an additionalmechanism such as a trigger or engagement releasing unit connectedinternally for unlatching, which allows the convertible force latchingsystem to have a more compact size and lower manufacturing cost due toless components involved. Such an example latching system 100 is shownused in FIG. 8. In some embodiments, the connector body 104, furtherincludes a force actuation interface mechanism such as a handle or tabto more easily utilize the latching portion 114. Such an examplelatching system 100 is shown in FIG. 1B and used in FIG. 9 a secondconnector body 104′ with handle 902.

Motion of the latching portion 114 of the connector body 104 shown inFIG. 3 is restrained in the example shown by a series of motion guidesincluding a motion stop 502. The stop 502 is a projection from secondconnector body 104 that fits into a matching recess 504 in the secondconnector body 104. The shape and size of the stop 502 and recess 504are determined to allow the shifting of the magnets between each of thealignments discussed above.

For example, when the latching system 100 is rotated to the positionshown in FIG. 4, the stop 502 and recess 504 together with the shapingof the connector bodies 102 and 104 themselves form a predeterminedmotion path which directs and guides user interaction along the propershift between the attracting position and repelling position. Afterrotation, all magnets in corresponding connector body 102 have sameexact poles as the corresponding mating magnets in correspondingconnector body 104.

As illustrated in FIG. 1A-5, both connector bodies 102, 104 haverotational alignment features 300 as shown. As illustrated in FIG. 1A,because magnets are put in a circular pattern, parts with the latch canbe mated in multiple orientations as long as the magnets align.Rotational alignment features, such as the features shown in FIG. 1A areincluded in some examples added to the connector bodies 102, 104 toprevent them from mating in the wrong orientation. In the example shown,the alignment feature changes the mating surface from a perfect roundshape to a “D” shape. The flat on the “D” shape interferes with theround when the two connectors are mated in the wrong orientation. Theycan only be mated while the flats align with each other. The alignmentfeatures can be in any other forms, shapes or means as desired. Theserotational alignment features, such as the features shown in FIG. 1A areincluded in some examples added to the connector bodies 102, 104 toprevent them from mating in the wrong orientation.

The arrangement of the series of magnets 202, 204 can include manycombinations of size, shape and total number of magnets used and canvary based on application. The size and total number of screws or anyother suitable fasteners used can also vary based on requirement. Forexample, another example latching system 100 according to the teachingsof the presentation could include as little as two magnets oriented inopposite orientations. In other examples of the latching system 100, thealternating series of magnets can be arranged in other shapes withrepeating patterns of upward and downward facing magnets. In someexamples, the magnets are arranged in two rows and the connector bodies102, 104 can be shaped to enable translationary motion to alter thealignment of the magnets relative to one another. One of ordinary skillwill also comprehend that any repeating pattern and combination ofrestraints would be suitable if used according to the teachings of thisdisclosure.

Although certain example methods and apparatus have been describedherein, the scope of coverage of this patent is not limited thereto. Onthe contrary, this patent covers all methods, apparatus, and articles ofmanufacture fairly falling within the scope of the appended claimseither literally or under the doctrine of equivalents.

We claim:
 1. A latching system comprising: a first connector bodycomprising: at least one first magnet having a first pole orientedcloser to a first mating surface of the first connector body than asecond pole of the first magnet, and at least one second magnet having athird pole of the second magnet oriented closer to the first matingsurface than a fourth pole of the second magnet; a second connector bodycomprising at least one third magnet having a fifth pole of the thirdmagnet oriented closer to a second mating surface of the secondconnector body than a sixth pole of the third magnet; and wherein: thefirst connector body or the second connector body comprises a latchportion configured to directly receive a rotational user interaction,wherein the first connector body or the second connector body isconfigured to move between a first position and a second position inresponse to the rotational user interaction, the at least one firstmagnet and the at least one third magnet are configured to align andattract one another while the first connector body or the secondconnector body is in the first position, and the at least one secondmagnet and the at least one third magnet are configured to align andrepel one another while the first connector body or the second connectorbody is in the second position.
 2. The latching system of claim 1,wherein latch portion comprises an exposed exterior surface on the firstconnector body or the second connector body.
 3. The latching system ofclaim 1, wherein the latch portion extends at least partially around acircumferential exterior of the first connector body or the secondconnector body.
 4. The latching system of claim 1, wherein the latchportion further comprises a force actuation interface mechanism.
 5. Thelatching system of claim 4, wherein the force actuation interfacemechanism comprises a tab or a handle.
 6. The latching system of claim1, wherein at least one of the first connector body or the secondconnector body further comprises a motion guide to restrict motion ofthe latch portion relative to the first connector body or the secondconnector body along a predetermined motion path.
 7. The latching systemof claim 1, wherein the first mating surface and the second matingsurface are in contact while the first connector body or the secondconnector body is in the first position.
 8. The latching system of claim1, wherein the first mating surface and the second mating surface areseparated while the first connector body or the second connector body isin the first position.
 9. The latching system of claim 1, wherein: thesecond connector body comprises at least one fourth magnet having aseventh pole of the fourth magnet oriented closer to the second matingsurface than an eighth pole of the third magnet, the at least one secondmagnet and the at least one fourth magnet are configured to align andattract one another while the first connector body or the secondconnector body is in the first position, and the at least one firstmagnet and the at least one fourth magnet are configured to align andrepel one another while the first connector body or the second connectorbody is in the second position.
 10. The latching system of claim 1,wherein: the at least one first magnet is a first plurality of magnets,the at least one second magnet is a second plurality of magnets, thefirst plurality of magnets and the second plurality of magnets arearranged in a circular, alternating pattern in the first connector body,the at least one third magnet is a third plurality of magnets, and thethird plurality of magnets is arranged in a circular pattern in thesecond connector body.
 11. The latching system of claim 1, wherein: thefirst connector body further comprises at least one first electricalcontact, the second connector body further comprises at least one secondelectrical contact, and the at least one first electrical contact andthe at least one second electrical contact are configured to connect toone another while the first connector body or the second connector bodyis in the first position.
 12. A latching system comprising: a firstconnector body comprising: at least one first magnet having a first poleoriented closer to a first mating surface of the first connector bodythan a second pole of the first magnet, and at least one second magnethaving a third pole of the second magnet oriented closer to the firstmating surface than a fourth pole of the second magnet; a secondconnector body comprising at least one third magnet having a fifth poleof the third magnet oriented closer to a second mating surface of thesecond connector body than a sixth pole of the third magnet; andwherein: the first connector body or the second connector body comprisesa latch portion configured to move the first connector body or thesecond connector body between a first position and a second position,the latch portion extends at least partially around a circumferentialexterior of the first connector body or the second connector body, theat least one first magnet and the at least one third magnet areconfigured to align and attract one another while the first connectorbody or the second connector body is in the first position, and the atleast one second magnet and the at least one third magnet are configuredto align and repel one another while the first connector body or thesecond connector body is in the second position.
 13. The latching systemof claim 12, wherein the latch portion moves the first connector body orthe second connector body between the first position and the secondposition responsive to a rotational user interaction with the latchportion.
 14. The latching system of claim 12, wherein the latch portionextends around approximately half of the circumferential exterior of thefirst connector body or the second connector body.
 15. The latchingsystem of claim 12, wherein the latch portion extends aroundsubstantially all of the circumferential exterior of the first connectorbody or the second connector body.
 16. The latching system of claim 12,wherein the latch portion further comprises a force actuation interfacemechanism.
 17. The latching system of claim 12, wherein the latchportion further comprises a locking mechanism configured to preventmotion of the first connector body or the second connector body betweenthe first position and the second position.
 18. A latching apparatuscomprising: a first connector body comprising at least one first magnethaving a first pole oriented closer to a mating surface of the firstconnector body than a second pole of the magnet; and a latch portionaffixed to the first connector body and configured to directly receive arotational user interaction, wherein the first connector body isconfigured to move between a first position and a second position inresponse to the rotational user interaction, wherein: the at least onefirst magnet is configured to align with and attract at least one secondmagnet of a second connector body while the connector body is in thefirst position, and the at least one first magnet is configured tomisalign with the at least one second magnet while the first connectorbody is in the second position.
 19. The latching apparatus of claim 18,wherein the at least one first magnet is configured to align with andrepel at least one third magnet of the second connector body while thefirst connector body is in the second position.
 20. The latchingapparatus of claim 18, further comprising an electrical connectionportion, wherein electrical connection portion remains static relativeto the latch portion and the first connector body that move togetherresponsive to the rotational user interaction.